Arsenal may not have signed anyone on transfer deadline day, but the Gunners’ interest in Sandro Tonali has been a real talking point ever since.
Mikel Merino’s serious injury sent Andrea Berta into the January transfer market on deadline day.
Tonali was reportedly offered to Arsenal, but no deal materialised, which was unsurprising for a player of his calibre being wanted so late into the window.
Eddie Howe has spoken to Tonali about the Arsenal links, maintaining that the Italian is happy at St James’ Park, but the Magpies have heard that tale before.
Rank these Premier League midfielders, Arsenal could have two of them if Tonali signs 👀
Arsenal learn Sandro Tonali transfer boost amid Juventus interest
Deep down, Howe will know that Newcastle aren’t safe from any of their best players leaving, as Alexander Isak showed the club in the summer.
It’s understood that Tonali is content at Newcastle, but there has been a ripple effect that will carry into the summer because of Arsenal’s interest.
The Gunners won’t be the only team interested in Tonali, as Juventus are also long-term admirers of the midfielder, but Berta already has an advantage in negotiations.
According to Flashscore, Newcastle’s valuation of the Italian sits ‘close to €90–100 million’, which is a problem for Juventus, who are ‘working with a budget of around €50–60 million’.
What is the maximum fee Arsenal should pay to sign Sandro Tonali?
There’s more bad news for Juve, as Tonali’s wage demands are to match or improve his salary at Newcastle, which at £150k-a-week, is more than the Turin club can afford without ruining their wage structure.
Italian clubs frequently miss out on transfers due to the financial power of the Premier League, and in Juve’s case, with Tonali, another instance of that could play out.
Where Sandro Tonali’s wages would rank in Arsenal’s highest earners
Tonali is one of Newcastle’s highest earners, but at Arsenal, he’d be further down the pecking order.
If the Gunners matched his salary at St James’ Park, Tonali would rank as around the eighth highest-paid Arsenal player in Arteta’s squad.
Which Arsenal player is being overpaid and who’s not earning enough?
There is, however, a very good chance that the North Londoners would be able to offer the Italy international a generous pay-rise, given that Arsenal are able to pay Bukayo Saka £300k-a-week.
It’s a plus for Arsenal’s possible pursuit of Tonali in the summer, as when it comes to finances, Juventus simply cannot compete.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
